Before leaving home, my husband and I started watching Julian Fellowes Investigates: A Most Mysterious Murder.  Written and presented by Academy-award winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, A Most Mysterious Murder is a five episode “docudrama”, a crime drama based off of real-world unsolved murder mysteries.

Each episode of A Most Mysterious Murder is completely self-contained.  The only character appearing in each is Julian Fellowes, who narrates the episode and presents the possible solution he feels most fits the evidence available.  He also has writing credits on each episode.  The rest of the acting stands up as well.

Production values are very high.  The periods shown feel authentic, the costuming, sets, and language all giving a strong feeling of immersion in the appropriate atmosphere to the time.  According to what I’ve read elsewhere, the actual locations where the crimes were committed were used when possible, leading to an extra level of authenticity that would be hard to beat.

So far I’ve only seen the first two episodes of the five episode series, but what I’ve seen so far leaves me confident in recommending this for most cozy fans.  A Most Mysterious Murder isn’t completely fiction, so it isn’t a cozy but the episodes so far have shared a lot in common with cozies.

The first episode was a bit better than the second, and the solution provided seemed a bit more clever.  That said, the other episode I’ve seen was also very good, just not quite as strong as the first.

Overall this seems like a series I would definitely recommend.  I’ll post in later if the rest of the episodes go downhill, but for now I feel confident in saying that most cozy fans interested in some real-world unsolved murder cases should find a lot to like in Julian Fellowes Investigates: A Most Mysterious Murder. 

P.S. >>> Julian Fellowes won an Academy Award for his writing and original screenplay for the 2001 movie Gosford Park. He also is the creator, executive producer, and writer for the very popular Downton Abbey television series.

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Now that Jim Hacker is residing at 10 Downing Street, what is Sir Humphrey Appleby to do? Yes, this is the sequel to Yes, Minister – another must-watch British comedic television series.

Paul Eddington portrays bumbling Prime Minister Hacker with such ease, that he makes the highly incredible feat of him actually becoming the prime minister seem possible. What I mean to say is, you can almost believe that Hacker could have been the prime minister – crazier things have happened!

At the prime minister’s side is his cabinet secretary – Sir Humphrey Appleby. Nigel Hawthorne has created a character who will be remembered by all viewers of this phenomenally funny show. There are just a few stand-out, memorable television characters, and Sir Appleby has got to be one of them.  (Let’s face it, when you think of Don Knott’s you probably picture Barney Fife.)

Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay are the creators and writers of both the Yes, Minister and the Yes, Prime Minister television series. These two men (Lynn and Jay) have created something that is literally nothing short of comedic genius. The back room wheeling and dealing, the ingratiating machinations of politicians, the true causes politicians want to promote – they are all here!

Both Yes, Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister are intelligent sitcoms. Yes, Prime Minister pokes fun at those who occupy the higher positions in political parties. Even though the show mocks the parties, it never seems to take particular sides. It doesn’t bash liberals or conservatives and doesn’t preach a particular doctrine. It makes fun of all!

This is one funny British series that ranks right up there!

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If you enjoy British comedies, want a comedy television show with intelligence ,  not just one-liners or smart aleck children, want to see top-of-the-line actors at their best, then Yes, Minister is for you!

Paul Eddington portrays Jim Hacker, a new cabinet minister – who lacks… should I say… intelligence  Somehow Hacker occupies a cabinet office, and he seems… quite befuddled. Eddington is fantastic in this role. He is very credible as the cabinet minister who really doesn’t seem to know what is going on, or what is expected of him.

As wonderful as many of the actors are in Yes, Minister, the true stand-out performance (for me) is by Nigel Hawthorne – as Sir Humphrey Appleby. Hawthorne plays the aide of the minister, who happens to be more savvy,  smarter, and informed than the minister. He is also a schemer and a conniver  and no one can do “it” like Hawthorne! Hawthorne brings a level of aristocracy that is perhaps even more upper-crust than the queen herself!

My husband and I watched this BBC series alone, and then again with our adult children. Obviously, we enjoyed it or we wouldn’t have watched it twice! (And, we plan to watch it again.) Both our son and daughter have shared the Yes, Minister shows with their friends. Well, at least those of them who enjoy intelligent comedy shows!

While this is not a mystery series, it is terrific British fun! I strongly recommend Yes, Minister. I also recommend its sequel: Yes, Prime Minister

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